We don’t know about you, but there’s something about the colder weather that makes us want to hunker down beside a fire, pop on a good film and keep warm with a chunky knit blanket and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s the slightly darker days and chill in the air or full-on wrap-yourself-up winter weather, you just can’t beat a cosy blanket for setting the ambience, keeping you toasty and creating a truly hygge home.
But what is it about a knit blanket that makes us reach for them, rather than just your average throw? For starters, ones made from natural wool are super soft and have an instantly tactile texture that’s easy to stretch around you and cuddle up in. Then there’s the fact that knit items have that special hand-crafted feel, which is incredibly comforting and instantly relaxing. Lastly, the look of a knit blanket really can’t be beat, whether you’re styling up your sofa, draping it over a bed, or stashing it in a basket in your home office ready to drape around you at the first signs of the cold creeping in.
If knitting a blanket yourself is off the cards, we’d suggest investing in one of the latest designs. How much you choose to spend will, of course, depend on the type of blanket you opt for and there are many different varieties around. Luxurious handmade merino wool designs, for example, can cost hundreds of pounds, while acrylic versions are often much less. Colour can also be a factor and these days knit blankets can pretty much be tailored to suit your décor – everything from soft baby pink to deep plums and soothing neutrals. We’ve been busy getting cosy in a range of blankets and throws to find the perfect chunky knits, thanks us later.
How we tested
We gave each blanket and throw a good cuddle and wrapped ourselves up to test for softness, warmth and how luxurious they felt, as well as taking into account their overall looks and affordability.